After months devoted to your growing family, returning to work can bring a mix of emotions. You may feel excited about reconnecting with your career- and little uncertain about how you’ll balance both your work and new home life commitments.
Whether you’re returning full-time, part-time or in a different role, here are some practical steps to make the transition smoother.
1. Think about your working pattern
Before you start any conversations with your employer, take time to reflect on what you might need to make your return successful. Balancing work and home life is key to your long-term wellbeing, so consider whether your previous schedule still works for you – or if some adjustments would help.
Options to think about include:
- Adjusted hours: Starting or finishing earlier or later.
- Remote work: Spending more time working from home.
- Compressed hours: Working the same total hours over fewer days.
If a little extra flexibility would make a difference, think about what arrangement would best support your family and career goals – and find time to review your employer’s policies, if available.
2. Have the right conversations early
Planning ahead should start well before your first day back. So, in advance of your expected return, put some time in the diary with your manager to reconnect. Your conversation should cover things like:
What’s changed at work
Find out about any changes that happened while you were away – new projects, team structures, or policies. This can help you feel informed and ready to contribute from day one.
The logistics you need in place for your return
Make sure you’ll have access to all the tools and systems you’ll need, from email and calendars to project platforms. Sorting this early can avoid unnecessary stress later.
Any potential changes to your working pattern
If you’re considering flexible arrangements, now is the time to raise it. Share what you need, listen to what’s possible, and agree on a plan that works for both you and your team.
3. Plan for your new life ahead
Once your work arrangements are set, it’s also worth reviewing your financial plans and priorities – as they may have shifted since your new arrival.
Research from the Standard Life Centre for the Future of Retirement shows that people who say they do a ‘great deal of planning’ are almost twice as likely to say they feel positive about what their life will be like in five years’ time, when compared to people who do no planning at all (66% vs. 36%). *
Here are some things to think about:
Is your retirement still on track?
Returning to work is a great time to check in on your pension and make sure you’re still on track for the future you want. If your contributions stopped during parental leave, you may be able to make up any gaps.
Do you need to update your beneficiaries?
Have you told us who your Standard Life pension should go to when you die? It can help to make sure your money ends up in the right hands. It’s easy to do through our mobile app or your pension dashboard, and you’re free to make changes at any time.
Do you need extra financial cover?
How would your family manage financially if you died or were unable to work? You may want to consider life insurance or critical illness cover to give you that peace of mind, should the worst happen.
Should I write or update my will?
A will ensures your assets are passed on to your loved ones exactly as you’d want – and that your children can be cared for according to your wishes.
Look ahead with confidence
Returning to work after parental leave is a significant transition- but you can manage the shift by thinking carefully about what you need, having open conversations with your manager and reviewing your financial priorities.
Planning ahead can help you find the right work and home life balance, ease the switch back to working life, and help you feel confident about your family’s financial future.
*Retirement Voice 2025, Standard Life Centre for the Future of Retirement